Phillip L. Crisostomo

The discussion centered on several key topics including the "Soup for You" event scheduled for February 23rd, which featured culinary students competing against professional establishments. District testing for academy applicants was reported to be highly successful with record turnout. Progress on SkillsUSA competitions was also detailed, noting that a record 60 students were registered across multiple dates in March. Announcements also included a PTSA meeting scheduled for March 16th. The latter part of the segment featured an interview with Anthony Neas, the 2026 successful graduate from the culinary program, who discussed his career as the head chef at Colani's and the evolution of the culinary program. Additionally, two STEM academy seniors, Scott Turner (interested in filmmaking) and Frank Fector (interested in culinary arts), were highlighted as students of the week, discussing their work, including a film submitted by Turner for college applications.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the 2025 C. Thomas Olivo Outstanding Service Award to Ms. Susan Conrad, who was requested to attend a future meeting for formal recognition. The Board received the Semi-Annual Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Report for the period ending December 31, 2025, noting only two confirmed incidents. The June 30, 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was presented, which received an unmodified audit opinion, though one finding related to the Application for State School Aid enrollment count was noted. Personnel actions included approving additional compensation, grant-funded salaries, salary adjustments, leaves of absence, and a revised 2025-2026 Salary/Wage Guide for Hourly and Per Diem Employees. Curriculum matters involved approving participation in The College of New Jersey's practicum experience, professional development expenses, field trip requests, and MOU Course Articulation Agreements with The College of New Jersey. New business involved approving several change orders for facility projects (Sypek Center modular classroom, Culinary Lab, Sypek Engineering Lab), establishing a dedicated bank account for the Culinary Lab restaurant operations, accepting the audit reports and approving the Corrective Action Plan, approving an agreement for alternative education programs, setting out-of-county/state tuition rates for the Rubino Academy, renewing membership in the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund, and approving an American Red Cross Blood Drive. District reports included acceptance of the December 2025 Emergency Drill, Enrollment, HIB, and Suspension reports. During public comment, it was confirmed that Project Labor Agreements are now permissible on all public works projects, and the board expressed intent to use one for the Annex Atrium project.

This document outlines the Health Science Academy's Veterinary/Animal Health Technology Pathway, a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in veterinary medicine. It integrates classroom learning, hands-on labs, clinical simulations, and real-world externship experiences, focusing on safety, ethics, and industry-aligned skills. The pathway offers opportunities for industry certifications, college credits through dual enrollment, and prepares students for entry-level positions or higher education in the field.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as the approval of bills and transfers, the Secretary/Treasurer's report, and correspondence including Governor's Educator of the Year nominations and a Haldeman Ford Fundraiser. Committee reports included updates from the New Jersey School Boards Association and facilities updates. The board also addressed a donation to the Tyler Hettel Scholarship Fund, personnel matters, curriculum and instruction, grants, old business including the Uni Tru contract and a holiday event, and new business including a new accounting system and change orders for construction projects. District reports included enrollment, harassment, intimidation and bullying, emergency drill, and suspension reports. Student representative reports were also presented.

The meeting included presentations to the board such as the NJ Exemplary Educator Award and Criminalistics. The board discussed and approved various actions, including the approval of bills and transfers, the Secretary/Treasurer's Report, renewal of a Memorandum of Agreement between Mercer County Technical Schools (MCTS) and local law enforcement agencies, MCTS Goals for 2025-2026, new and revised board policies and regulations, a donation from KSI Auto Parts, appointments, resignations, retirements, and a job description. Curriculum and instruction items included approval of curriculum guides and field trip requests. The board also accepted IDEA and ESEA Consolidated Grant funds, Rochester Institute of Technology Mini Grants, and discussed applications for Intuit Food Truck Program and Artificial Intelligence Technology in Career and Technical Education Pathways Competitive Grants. New business included approval of the Facilities Annual Maintenance Budget and Comprehensive Maintenance Plan Report, change orders for construction projects, authorization of EFT designated individuals, approval for the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, renewal of the QiMeta Software License Agreement, and an agreement with UniTru for Virtual Campus Tour Services. The board also accepted district reports on emergency drills, enrollment, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and suspensions.